Residents of an overwhelmingly nationalist County Antrim village are
furious that the Parades Commission has accepted a route for a sectarian
loyalist parade without consultation.

The band submitted an route for tonight’s provocative march through
Rasharkin and the commission has given it the go-ahead without
restrictions.

The Parades Commission had initially only allow the parade march through
the village once, but a return route was given late permission following
unionist demands.

The DUP had threatened violence if the parade was not allowed to make
the return parade. DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson said: “We’re looking at
serious public disorder this weekend. It’s like watching a car wreck in
slow motion.”

After the sudden u-turn, Sinn Fein Assembly Daithi McKay said the 42
bands would now march through parts of the village where they have never
passed before.

“The residents’ association wasn’t aware that the band had put in a
fresh application and didn’t get a chance to go to the commission and
give their views,” he said.

The parade has become increasingly volatile in recent years and another
major security operation is expected at tomorrow night’s march.

Meanwhile, sectarian graffiti was painted on Rosnashane Ancient Order of
Hibernians’ Hall near Rasharkin.

Mr McKay said the attack showed that loyalists were trying to ratchet up
tensions ahead of the parade.

In a separate development, the SDLP has met the commission to voice its
objections to a loyalist Royal Black Preceptory Parade in Ardoyne.

The party said the August 28 event could cause “serious disturbance in
the north Belfast district where rioting followed a Twelfth of July
march this year.

North Belfast Assembly member A1ban Maginness said the delegation told
the commission it was “totally opposed to any band accompanying the
parade as this will only lead to increased tensions in the area”.